Businessman shot after microbus stopped at Kharulia in Cox's Bazar, sent to Chattogram in critical condition
Six men arriving on motorcycles blocked a microbus and shot a businessman in broad daylight at Kharulia in Cox's Bazar Sadar upazila. The attack took place around 3pm on Friday (6 November) in front of the Lal Golap Community Centre at Kharulia, according to Sheikh Mohammad Ali, officer-in-charge of Cox's Bazar Sadar Model Police Station.
The wounded businessman is Mahmudul Haq, 45. He was sent from Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital to Chattogram in critical condition.
Mahmudul Haq, who is under treatment, said he was travelling from home towards Ramu in a private microbus. On the way, six men on three motorcycles blocked the microbus.
According to Mahmudul Haq, the attackers fired three shots at him one after another. At one point they tried to shoot him in the head, but the weapon did not fire. He then ran away from the scene.
Mahmudul Haq said he recognised among the attackers Zayed, Kitab Ali, Wazed Ali and Abu Naser of the Link Road area. He alleged that those who took part in the attack are followers of the union BNP president and general secretary.
Relatives of Mahmudul Haq alleged that local people caught Abu Naser after the incident, but Jhilongja union BNP president Rashed Ullah got him released. Mahmudul's relative Monir also alleged political instigation behind the attack, claiming it was carried out at the instigation of Liaqat Ali, a member of Jhilongja Union Parishad and general secretary of the union BNP.
Calls were made several times to the mobile phone of Jhilongja union BNP president Rashed Ullah for comment on these allegations, but he disconnected the connection each time.
Officer-in-charge Sheikh Mohammad Ali said a police team is working at the scene. Police have seized one motorcycle and efforts are under way to arrest those involved.
Asked about the allegation of BNP leaders' involvement in the attack, the officer-in-charge said police are investigating the incident and collecting the victim's statement.
